Lee Mead Lee Mead Interview Lee Mead shot to fame when he won BBC TV casting show Any Dream Will Do, a contest to find Andrew Lloyd Webber a new leading man for his 2007 West End revival of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Since then, Lee’s made steady progress with his career, appearing in numerous other West End winners as well as bagging himself a regular role in long-running TV series Casualty. Here, he talks to What’s On about his new touring show, Some Enchanted Evening, and his return to the Midlands to star in Birmingham Hippodrome’s blockbuster pantomime, Aladdin. Lee will also appear in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Hippodrome next year. Lauren Foster recently caught with Lee to find out more... Your tour - Some Enchanted Evening - takes the audience back in time to the 1940s and ’50s. What draws you to this type of music, Lee, as opposed to, for example, a genre like pop?

Growing up, I used to watch a lot of films like South Pacific and Guys And Dolls, so I wanted to tour a show featuring those sort of songs - but with a modern twist on the arrangements and the music itself. You’ve been working on your fourth album. When will it be released and what can we expect? It’s coming out next Spring. It’s ten tracks and will feature songs from the tour I’m doing at the moment - for example, Where Or When, Some Enchanted Evening and All The Things You Are. It’s a real mix of numbers. There’s a song called I See You In My Dreams as well, which is quite a sweet number. It’s taken a while to record because I’m down in Cardiff in the week filming Casualty. It’s like doing two full-time jobs. Your Casualty co-star, Amanda Henderson, who plays Robyn Miller, is on tour with you. How did this come about? I’ve known Amanda almost two years on the show and we’re really good friends, I didn’t initially realise that she could sing. She was in the film version of Les Miserables, and she did Oliver! in the West End for two years as well.

She’s got a lovely voice, a really cracking voice, and a nice tone - which a lot of female singers have got - but there aren’t many female singers who have a strong belt. She can hit some really big notes, which is really nice. She’s doing four or five numbers in the show. We do a few numbers together. What was it like joining a fast-moving TV series like Casualty? Did it take much getting used to? It did initially. I’d been a guest on the show prior to that and had also appeared in an episode of a Sky TV series called Bedlam, so I had some experience on camera but hadn’t had a regular role. There was an initial adjustment to make - it’s obviously very different to being on stage - but I really enjoy it. It’s nice to balance out the work. Going back to your Joseph days, you were the winner of the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do casting series back in 2007. Does it still feel like a dream? I’m very blessed for that opportunity. It was a big show and I got to work with Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was a part I’d wanted to play since I was a kid.

I think what it gave me was that platform. I think there were ten million people a week watching the show. It was the first of its kind in terms of guys, so it was quite groundbreaking. Going out to that many people each week, for twelve weeks, you’re instantly recognised and can use that platform to do more things. I’ve been very lucky to be able to do my own show, make records and appear in TV roles. For me, it was always about having a career and working. I’m quite proud of the fact that I haven’t gone off the radar, which can often happen with a lot of people who win that type of show. Winning the show kick-started your career. Would you say it was your proudest moment? There’ve been a few moments like that. Getting the part in Casualty was a great moment too. Singing at Wembley to eighty thousand people was another, as was getting a record deal with Universal. And it was always a dream to sing at the Albert Hall, which I’ve now done three times.

I used to see lots of shows there as a kid, but never in a million years did I think I’d get to sing there - or to share the stage with Ronnie Wood, Mick Hucknall and people like that. I did a charity concert with them, which was pretty amazing. Some really great moments. With fame comes public attention. Both your work and personal life have been given a lot of press. What’s your coping strategy for living in the public eye? Don’t read anything that’s written. It’s as simple as that. And if people approach me to talk about it, I politely say, ‘Look it’s obviously personal’. It’s quite bizarre, to be honest; it’s not normal. It comes with the job - but with my personal life, there has to be a line. It’s important for all of us - yourself, the Queen or whoever - to have a part of ourselves that we keep private. You’ve appeared in numerous West End shows. Which was your favourite? I don’t really have a favourite. Every show’s different. I’ve been from Joseph to Wicked to Legally Blonde and enjoyed them all. And Miss Saigon.

I’ve loved them all because they’re all so different, and I’ve been lucky enough to play very different parts. Chris in Miss Saigon was a GI and there were big songs and big duets in the show. Then, in Legally Blonde, I played Emmett Forrest, a slightly geeky lawyer guy who’s Elle’s friend. He supports her, their friendship builds and ends up blossoming into something else. It’s a very witty book and a very clever and funny show. I’ve had a chance to appear in these big, classic musicals like Miss Saigon but also to experience a modern-day musical. It’s hard to choose, really - I haven’t got a favourite as such. Are there any big musical numbers you’ve grown to dislike over time? With TV or film you’re shooting different scenes and following different scripts each time. With a play or a musical you’re doing the same thing every night, so it’s easy to slip into auto-pilot, which is a danger zone for any actor. I think it’s about knowing there’s a new audience every night who’re paying fifty-odd quid a ticket to come and see you. It’s actually about being really present in the moment with whatever you’re saying or singing.

It’s easier said than done when you’re nine months into a run - you shouldn’t be thinking about what sort of food you’re going to have after the show is finished or anything like that! Has performing been a passion from a young age or was there another career path you wanted to take? Not really. I started quite late. I was eighteen or nineteen when I started training. I went to a very small college in Southend, so I didn’t really have a solid form of training. I used to read a lot and attend a lot of classes in London. I put in a lot of work before I got my first break, working as part of an entertainments team on a car ferry. I did some cabaret for eighteen months before getting a part in Joseph on tour. It was a big number-one tour and I was in the chorus. From that point onwards I just went from show to show. I was about twenty when I got my first job, but prior to that I did a couple of local amateur shows. Before that I just dreamed of being a footballer, but I soon realised that wasn’t going to happen because I wasn’t actually very good. In my mind I was good, but in reality it was a different story.

I was never going to be playing with Wayne Rooney, so it was a good job I could sing and act! Your work takes you from stage to recording studio to TV. Which do you prefer? I always wanted to do variety and feel very lucky I can do that. Some actors don’t sing, they just do plays their whole career, but I’ve been very lucky to do TV, plays, musical theatre, albums and pantomimes. It’s nice because I don’t get too bored. The next job is different from the last. So again, I wouldn’t like to choose one. I like them all. Is there a particular area you’d like to concentrate on in the future? I’d like to do more TV and film, but generally it just depends on the project. I wouldn’t take just any TV role or any show. You’ll get a call from your agent saying this particular play has come up or this particular TV role is available. Sometimes you can’t always be that selective, but you learn to take it as it comes. It’s nice to have a varied career - it’s definitely the best part of what I do. You’re playing the lead role in Birmingham Hippodrome’s Aladdin pantomime.

What do you enjoy about panto? It’s just so much fun - and camp as well. It’s brilliant. I get to be camp for twelve shows a week over Christmas. There’s no other form of theatre where you get three generations of family. You get the kids, the parents and the grandparents. There’s no musical or play where you’d have that, so that’s quite special. My daughter, Betsy, is five. She comes each year and absolutely loves it. She sits through the whole thing, so I enjoy doing it for her. I have a lot of fun doing it. It’s a chance to share people’s Christmas. It’s quite a tough schedule. We do twelve shows a week for five or six weeks, so I often just crash when it’s finished and have a nice holiday. At the Hippodrome this year, as in previous pantomimes, you’re playing the ‘good guy’. Have you ever considered playing the villain, or even a dame? Not a dame, not yet. I think they cast you as that when you’re in your fifties or older, so maybe one day. But yes, it would be nice to play a bad character.

That would be nice in a straight acting role as well, to play a really mean character and do something completely different. As an actor, that’s what you look for - different roles and different challenges. It just hasn’t come along yet. And finally, what’s in the pipeline for 2016? There are talks about a third year in Casualty. I’m really happy there. It’s a big show, one of the biggest on television. It’s not been confirmed yet, though; we’re talking contracts at the moment. I’ve got the fourth album coming out next Spring, with a few concerts. Then, hopefully, there’ll be a big tour at the end of next year and maybe a panto. If I’m not filming next year in Casualty, it would be nice to get into a big show again and do a new musical, but it’s still too early to say anything for definite.

Lee Mead (Actor) - Pics, Videos, Dating, & News Lee Mead Male Born Jul 14, 1981 Lee Stephen Mead is an English musical theatre actor, best known for winning the title role in the 2007 West End revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat through the BBC reality TV casting show Any Dream Will Do. As well as subsequent roles in Wicked and Legally Blonde: The Musical, Mead is pursuing a music career with his third album, 'Love Songs', released in February 2012.… Read More related links The Rolling Stones I Like Music Google News - Aug 30, 2011 'Every single moment of our life is dedicated to music. Without that I don&#39;t think I know what I would be doing with my life. It is a universal language for sure. Davey, The Crimea: I Like Music becauseâ¦Otherwise I&#39;d be a crackhhead.

<mark>Lee Mead</mark>: I Like' Ashfield And Freeman Join Legally Blonde London Theatre Guide Google News - Aug 26, 2011 'Ashfield, who replaces <mark>Lee Mead</mark> as Emmett, the law student who helps Stenson&#39;s Elle Woods make her way at college, is no stranger to the West End stage, having originated the role of Bob Gaudio in the London production of Jersey Boys' Engaged: Brittany Nichole Sims And Kyle Lee Mead Pratt Tribune Google News - Aug 25, 2011 'By Anonymous Douglas and Judy Sims, Pratt, announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany Nichole, to Kyle <mark>Lee Mead</mark>, Pratt. The bride-elect graduated from Pratt High School in 2005 and is in the nursing program at Pratt Community College' Watch West End Legally Blonde Star, Carley Stenson, Perform "So Much Better ...

Playbill.Com (Blog) Google News - Aug 23, 2011 'The cast also features <mark>Lee Mead</mark> as Emmett Forrest, Natalie Casey as Paulette, Peter Davison as Professor Callahan, Simon Thomas as Warner Huntington III, Tamara Wall as Brooke Wyndham/Shandi, Siobhan Dillon as Vivienne Kensington, Ellie Kirk as Margot,' Learn about the memorable moments in the evolution of Lee Mead. CHILDHOOD 1981 Birth Born on July 14, 1981. TWENTIES 2004 22 Years Old He moved into musical theatre in 2004, playing both Levi and the Pharaoh in the UK touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

… Read More Following Joseph, Mead performed in the UK tours of Tommy (ensemble and first cover Tommy) and Miss Saigon (ensemble and first cover Chris) before joining the West End production of Phantom of the Opera as an ensemble player and understudy for the role of Raoul.<br /><br /> While performing in The Phantom of the Opera, Mead auditioned for the BBC series Any Dream Will Do, hoping to win a six-month contract playing Joseph in the 2007 West End revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. From 10,000 initial auditionees, Mead was selected as one of the final 12 potential 'Josephs' who performed live on TV every Saturday night to win the public's vote.<br /><br /> Immediately after he won the final, a single featuring Mead, with fellow Any Dream Will Do finalists Lewis Bradley and Keith Jack, was released in aid of the BBC's annual Children In Need charity appeal. The single, featuring Any Dream Will Do (performed by Mead) and Close Every Door (performed by all three finalists) reached number 2 in the official UK singles chart.

Read Less Show Less Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat opened in the West End on 17 July 2007 to generally good reviews: "Lee Meadâ¦ turns out to be both talented and enthusiasticâ¦ what distinguishes him is an attractive singing voice and, coming from beneath hair that owes more to Uncle Esau than father Jacob, lots of affable charismaâ¦ last nightâs audience seemed enchanted" wrote Benedict Nightingale in The Times. … Read More "Leeâ¦ was a West End star just waiting for a chance to shineâ¦ the sight of him in a loincloth almost called for the appearance of the St John Ambulance" wrote Alun Palmer in the Daily Mirror.<br /><br /> "Mead is in excellent form vocally" wrote The Stage's Lisa Martland.

His performance of Close Every Door, "encapsulating both tenderness and defiance", was a highlight for her.<br /><br /> After 600 performances in the role, Mead played Joseph for the last time on 10 January 2009.<br /><br /> Following his successful run as Joseph in the West End, Mead took a short course at the famous Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York before taking on his first major play in a UK tour of Lord Arthur Savile's Crime. Read Less In November 2007, Mead began dating Any Dream Will Do judge, Denise van Outen,. The couple announced their engagement on 29 January 2009 and married in the Seychelles in April 2009. Their daughter was born on 1 May 2010, with one official photo released to publications in exchange for donations to The Louis Dundas Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital. In July 2013 the couple released a joint statement stating that they had split but remained good friends.

… Read More Mead is patron of The Mushroom Theatre Company's charity Equal People which is based in Rayleigh, Essex and aims to bring able-bodied and disabled people together to socialise and perform.<br /><br /> He also was ambassador of Vodafone's 2008 Cut It Out Campaign in 2008 which aimed to reduce bullying. The campaign worked alongside the West End stage production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Children were invited to design their own 'dreamcoat' and the winning entries were then worn on stage by Mead during Anti-Bullying week.<br /><br /> Mead has also supported a number of other charities, including the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund; Help for Heroes; Children in Need; Great Ormond Street Hospital and baby charity, Tommy's. Read Less 2010 28 Years Old The play, which was adapted by Trevor Baxter in the style of a tongue-in-cheek Victorian melodrama from a short story by Oscar Wilde, opened at the Theatre Royal Windsor on 12 January 2010 and finished at the Theatre Royal Bath on 24 April 2010.

… Read More Mead led the cast playing the title role alongside established performers including Gary Wilmot, Kate O'Mara, David Ross and Derren Nesbitt.<br /><br /> Mead went on to appear in the role of Fiyero in the London production of Wicked, from 10 May 2010 to 5 February 2011 opposite Rachel Tucker as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch Of the West and Louise Dearman as Galinda, the Good Witch. Mead was nominated for the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Takeover in a Role for this role. Read Less Show Less … On 1 March 2014, he made his first appearance as Ben "Lofty" Chiltern in the BBC drama series Casualty. Mead was nominated as Favourite Newcomer in the 2014 TV Times Awards and shortlisted as Newcomer in the 2015 National Television Awards for this role.

Alongside Casualty, Mead is continuing to tour the UK with his band, starred in his third pantomime as "Prince Charming" in Cinderella at the New Theatre, Cardiff in December 2014 and stars in his fourth as "Aladdin" in Aladdin at the Hippodrome, Birmingham in December 2015. <br /><br />In 2016 Mead will take a break from Casualty to join the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Tour as Caractacus Potts from 4 May until 18 September. In December, Mead will play Prince Charming in the London Palladium production of Cinderella from 10th December to 15th January. <br /><br />Mead has appeared as a guest artist at a range of concerts and events. <br /><br />Mead undertook his first solo concert in his home town of Southend in May 2010 and continued to tour the UK and Ireland during 2010 and 2011 with his own band. Read Less A second tour, The Love Tour, followed in February 2012 to coincide with the release of his third album, Love Songs.

In the summer of 2012, Mead joined forces with Stephen Rahman-Hughes and Matt Rawle to tour as the West End Men, supported by special guest, Kerry Ellis. A further short tour with the West End Men followed in November 2012 with Ramin Karimloo replacing Matt Rawle in the line-up. In December 2012, he starred in his first pantomime as the title character "Jack" in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton alongside Julian Clary and Nigel Havers. … Read More Mead returned to the West End in May 2013, starring in The West End Men in concert at the Vaudeville Theatre alongside Matt Willis, Glenn Carter, Stephen Rahman-Hughes and David Thaxton. In December 2013, he starred in his second pantomime as "Robin" in Robin Hood at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Read Less CBBC Newsround | TV/Film | Leading man Lee wins Joseph role Printable version Leading man Lee wins Joseph role Lee Mead has landed the lead role in a new stage production of Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat after winning a TV talent show.

The 25-year-old beat Keith Jack, 19, and Lewis Bradley, 18, in the final of the BBC's Any Dream Will Do show, after more than three million people voted. Lee will now star in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, at London's Adelphi Theatre, from 17 July. He said: "To win is just incredible and it won't sink in for a long time." Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a musical version of a story from the Bible. It tells the tale of Joseph, his 11 brothers and coat of many colours. Runners up Lewis Bradley and Keith Jack Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber said he was delighted with his latest leading man: "He did a fantastic job." Thousands of wannabe Josephs entered the show, with 12 going through to the live weekly TV shows that have now picked a winner. Elsewhere, on ITV, Danny Bayne and Susan McFadden got the public's backing in the final of Grease is the Word to win the chance to play Danny and Sandy in a new stage version of Grease.

Lee Mead and Denise Van Outen Expecting a Child Lee Mead and Denise Van Outen Expecting a Child Tweet Share Published reports are saying actor Lee Mead and Denise Van Outen are expecting a child. After meeting on the hit reality show " Any Dream Will Do," a contest Mead won, Mead and Van Outen began a relationship and married in April of 2009. Reportedly, the pair is thrilled about the news, with Van Outen quoted as saying "I look at him and know he'd make a great father. Our kids will have so much curly hair!" Mead made his professional stage debut in 2004 playing Levi (and later Pharaoh) in the touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Following Joseph, Mead appeared as an ensemble player and understudy for the title role in Tommy. He also appeared in the touring production of Miss Saigon before joining the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera as an ensemble player and understudy for the role of Viscount Raoul de Chagny.

While performing in The Phantom of the Opera, Mead auditioned for the BBC series Any Dream Will Do, hoping to win a six-month contract playing Joseph in the 2007 West End revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Mead was selected as one of the top 20 finalists, and eventually won the role nine weeks later for which he is most well known. Van Outen has appeared on both stage and screen, initially as Maureen in the crime comedy Love, Honour and Obey. She also had a cameo tease as red head Alex, in the low-key Tube Tales in one of the four separate short films, based on the London Underground. Other directors included Ewan McGregor , Jude Law and Jarvis Cocker; while her part in "Horny" was directed by Lost In Space director Stephen Hopkins. Most recently, Van Outen has played a small role in the Romantic Comedy Are You Ready For Love? She first played Roxie Hart on the stage in the hit musical Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End in April 2001. Her run proved a hit with theatre-goers, selling out for the entire 20 weeks.

Unknown in the United States, she reprised her role on Broadway in the spring of 2002, before returning to the show's London version in late April 2002. Late the same year, Van Outen appeared as one of many special guest stars in a performance of The Play What I Wrote once again in London's West End. In 2003, she returned to the London stage at the Gielgud Theatre in Andrew Lloyd Webber 's one-woman show Tell Me On A Sunday, which he reworked for her. She was a huge success and the show ran for nearly a year. She then joined the cast of the established ITV sentimental drama Where the Heart Is as one of the lead characters, playing single mother Kim Blakeney, continuing for two series. Van Outen was asked to be a panelist on the reality show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? in 2006 for the BBC, a programme searching for a girl to play the role of Maria in The Sound of Music, but was unable to accept the offer due to commitments in the USA co-hosting NBC's Grease: You're the One that I Want!

In 2007, she joined the panel for BBC One's follow up to How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do! which was casting Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. After viewers on 9 June 2007 voted Lee Mead as the winner of Any Dream Will Do! - to play the role of Joseph in a revival at London's Adelphi Theatre of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat van Outen said: "From the very beginning right through to the very end, Lee has been the most consistent out of all the contestants. He has the ability to make even really popular songs his own and he has his own unique style of performing. The next time he lands a role as a leading man, can he put me forward to be the leading lady?" In August 2009 Van Outen made her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut in Blondes.

Related Articles Lee Mead - Joseph Any Dream Will Do Antony - Ben - Chris B - Chris C - Craig - Daniel - Johndeep - Keith - Lee - Lewis - Robert - Seamus Lee Mead Any Dream Will Do Joseph finalist Lee Mead, who is 25 years old, is originally from Southend-on-Sea although he now lives in Brockley, London. Lee is a professional singer and actor. Congratulations Lee Mead - you are Joseph! Lee has been performing professional for the past five year which has included stints in various cabaret shows and on cruise ships aswell as performing in the stage musicals The Phantom Of The Opera , Miss Saigon and Tommy . Lee says: "I feel I should be Joseph as this is something I truly want. I am passionate about this character and believe I can give the public and the show the Joseph they know and love but with a new, fresh, individual stamp," adding that "as amazing as being an understudy is, you can't really beat having your own lead role - I'm always the guy waiting for somebody to go sick, and waiting to go on stage.

I 100% believe that I can be Joseph, and what I am hoping is people aren't going to judge me just because I'm a professional. I've worked hard to get to where I am, and I want to be given the same opportunity as anybody else, because I want this as much as anybody else, if not more, and that is why I am here. Opportunities like this don't come along very often, and that is why I am here, and that is why I want the part of Joseph - it is my dream." Denise Van Outen said that "It is so hard to get lead roles in the West End, if this is the only way he can do it, then good luck to him. Lee auditioned in London. The day following the final Abymill Theatre, after the Judges - Andrew, John, Bill and Denise - had selected the final 12 Joseph hopefuls that they wanted to go through, Lee, along with Rob , where called in to see the Judges together. First Andrew told Rob that he was through, then, after a pause, he told Lee that he was through too to the final 12!

Will the public select Lee to be Joseph in the new West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Adelphi Theatre in London? 9 June 2007: The Grand Final of Any Dream Will Do ! Three Joseph finalists remain - Lee Mead, Keith Jack and Lewis Bradley - but only one will win the coveted lead role of 'Joseph' in the London West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Adelphi Theatre from 7 July 2007 - who will it be?? This week the television show opened with all the 'Joseph' finalists reuniting in an ensemble version of 'Go Go Go Joseph' from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Techicolor Dreamcoat . This was followed by the three remaining finalists performing two sets of solo songs - Lee sung 'Devil in the Sky' and a big band version of the number 'New York, New York'. Lee also sung a joint rendition of the song 'Maria' from the musical West Side Story with the other two finalists.

Graham Norton then announced the first results of tonight's public telephone voting - Graham revealed that Lee had secured enough public votes to go through to the second of tonight's two programmes along with Keith Jack - meaning that Lewis Bradley had been knocked out. The second programme tonight opened with Lee and Keith each singing their favourite solo song from the series - Lee sung 'Paint It Black'. Afterwards Lee and Keith joined together with a joint rendition of the title song from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar before Graham Norton revealed the final results from the public telephone voting. Graham announced that the public had voted for Lee to play the part of 'Joseph' - Congratulations Lee - you are Joseph! The programme then finished with Lee singing 'Any Dream Will Do' from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . 2 June 2007: Tonight was the semi-finals of Any Dream Will Do . This week Lee Mead sung the Bon Jovi song 'Livin' On A Prayer'.

Afterwards Bill Kenwright told him "You could be an international superstar, I think you're fantastic" and Andrew Lloyd Webber exclaimed: "You were brilliant." Lee also sung a duet with fellow Joseph finalist Lewis Bradley of the medley 'Oh What A Circus/High Flying Adored' from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita. When all the public phone votes had been added up, Graham Norton announced that Lee had secured enough votes to go straight through to next week's Grand Final. 26 May 2007: For the seventh BBC Any Dream Will Do 'knock-out' show all the songs featured qualities that every Joseph needs and Lee Mead was given the quality dreaming for which he sung The Monkees song 'Daydream Believer'. Afterwards John Barrowman told him "That was brilliant, perfect, I think the West End is in need of Lee Mead" and Zoe Tyler said "That was a very happy looking, relaxed Lee. I feel very safe with you vocally." This week Lee also sung with the programme's special guest, Josh Groban, the song 'You Raise Me Up'.

Afterwards, when Graham Norton announced the results of the public telephone voting, it was revealed that, once again, Lee had secured enough votes to go straight through to next week's programme. 19 May 2007: This week was the sixth of the BBC Any Dream Will Do 'knock-out' shows. Lee Mead sung the Rolling Stones song 'Paint It Black'. Afterwards John Barrowman said "Lee, it pains me to say this, but I would gladly give my leading man's shoes to you to wear in the West End." Bill Kenwright said "Lee, that was in a totally different league to anything we've seen tonight." Lee also sung the Barbra Streisand song 'Don't Rain On My Parade' along with Craig and Daniel . When Graham Norton revealed the results of the public telephone voting, it was announced that Lee had secured enough votes to go straight through to next week's programme. 12 May 2007: The fifth of the BBC Any Dream Will Do 'knock-out' shows and Lee Mead sung the Will Young track 'Leave Right Now'.

Afterwards Bill Kenwright said: "You are everything I look for in a performer," Zoe Tyler said "Tonight, that was phenomenal" and Andrew Lloyd Webber described it as being "awesome." Lee managed to secure enough public votes to get through to next week's programme. 5 May 2007: For the fourth of the BBC Any Dream Will Do 'knock-out' shows Lee Mead sung the Free song 'All Right Now'. Afterwards Denise Van Outen said: "You shouted through that song," Zoe Tyler commented: "I just thought that was a bit rubbish" and Andrew Lloyd Webber said "It shows you are not that experienced - you didn't sing as well tonight." In the days leading up to this live show Lee had been suffering from a virus and had been under doctors orders to rest. When the Judging Panel was asked by Graham Norton, based on tonight's performance, which remaining finalist was not their choice for Joseph, Zoe Tyler says Lee. Bur when all the public votes where added up, it was revealed that Lee had secured enough votes to go straight through to the Any Dream Will Do television programme next week.

28 April 2007: The third of the BBC Any Dream Will Do 'knock-out' shows. This week two Joseph hopefuls were voted off the television show. This week Lee Mead sung the Rod Stewart track 'I Don't Want To Talk About It'. Bill Kenwright said: "There is nothing more thrilling than to see a song beautifully performed ... you kept that wonderful truth you have." Lee managed to secure enough public votes to get through both of the evening's knock-outs without having to go through the dreaded sing-offs. Interestingly, just before the first vote was announced Graham Norton asked the judges who they though, based on tonight performance, SHOULD be Joseph - Bill Kenwright said Lee should be Joseph! 21 April 2007: For the second of the BBC Any Dream Will Do 'knock-out' shows Lee Mead sung the Daniel Powter song 'Bad Day'. Afterwards Graham Norton asked the Judging Panel what they thought of Lee Mead's performance - Denis said: "Lee, it is a very hard song to sing, but what I really like about you is you take the challenge and you go with it - and you proved tonight that you can act.

The boys watch and learn, that is how it should be done when it comes to acting. I thought you where great." Bill added "I totally agree with Denise, you showed tonight what acting is all about - it's being still, it is being inward, it is being focused, it is not being over the top, it's making them come to you. Not the easiest song in the world to sing, a very difficult song - forget worries tonight, you're in, I'm telling you." John said "When you are on stage, you are a leading man. You make us feel comfortable, you're controlled, you're focused, and you deliver the song and you act it well. Superb job, well done." Zoe said "You give yourself problems, you make problems up in your mind, in our classes, you don't need to do that, you've got to believe in yourself, we all believe in you.

You were fantstic, you were hot tonight, it was an emotional performance, fantastic, great." Andrew concluded by saying "I think you did fanstically with the song we worked with a lot on Wednesday, it is a very difficult song to sing and we changed it around a wee bit aswell, so I think it really worked very much better tonight - I think you did really very well with an extremely difficult song, you really did." When all the public votes where added up, it was revealed that Lee had secured enough votes to go straight through to the Any Dream Will Do television programme next week. 14 April 2007: The first of the BBC Any Dream Will Do 'knock-out' shows, Lee Mead was the seond Joseph hopeful to sing, he sung 'Mack the Knife'. Afterwards John Barrowman said: "That was not an understudy performance - that was a leading man performance! You took to the stage, you made it your own, and you worked the audience, well done." Denise Van Outen told Lee "I think you are an absolute star, fantastic! Great 'light-and-shade' in your performance from the beginning, right through to the end.

And let me tell you something, I watched Robbie Williams sing that song at the Albert Hall, and you gave Mr Williams a run for his money!" Next Bill Kenwright, who has employed Lee in the past, but never as a leading man said: "When I first saw Lee audition I didn't know he was going to be their, and he walked on and I said: 'That's Lee!" I have to say that I've employed him twice and I've never seen that extra something that makes star... until now. Lee - you are a star! You deserve to come way up from the understudy role, you're a star!" Lastly Zoe Tyler said: "Lee, I've been in classes with these guys 24/7 just about, and sometimes just because you're the most experienced vocally doesn't necessarily mean you're the best, which I've seen a few times in our classes this week. But you know what, that was a very very sophisticated performance, vocally excellent." Finally, once all the public votes where counted, it was announced that Lee had recieved enough votes to go straight through to next week's programme. © thisistheatre.com 2004 - 2015. All rights reserved.

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I'd Do Anything (TV Series 2008) Music | Reality-TV Unknown actress compete in this reality show to play the role of Nacy from the musical Oliver in the West End Stars: John Barrowman, Arthur Byrne, Barry Humphries Canadian series based on the BBC reality show in which singers compete for a role in a theatrical revival of the musical "The Sound of Music." Stars: John Barrowman, Gavin Crawford, Andrew Lloyd Webber Over the Rainbow (TV Series 2010) Reality-TV Andrew Lloyd Webber searches across the UK for new talent to appear in his new West End production of The Wizard of Oz. Stars: Graham Norton, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charlotte Church 31 March 2007 (UK) See more » Company Credits (United Kingdom) – See all my reviews Following on from the success of "How do you solve a Problem Like Maria", the BBC continued to use this new formula twist on the karaoke talent contest, even as ITV scrambled to get onto the bandwagon with "Grease is the Word". As usual ITV is losing in the ratings but the sheer number of people watching Any Dream Will Do made me curious to see what it was about this show was drawing them in.

Essentially the show sees individual young men taking to stage to perform songs to the audience and panel to prove that they are worthy to take the role of Joseph in the West End production, which is the prize that awaits the ultimate winner. The panel give their feedback on each performer but it is the viewing public that select who they want via premium rate telephone lines. If it all sounds familiar then this is understandable because it is the same idea that has been clogging Saturday nights for many, many years. One could argue that "Stars in their Eyes" sowed the seeds by introducing the idea of people watching ordinary" people singing on television but it was most likely Pop Idol that launched the formula as it currently stands today. Of course any idea needs to be kept fresh and the cross between Pop Idol and the job addition aspect of The Apprentice was quite a good idea I suppose. In terms of delivery, it does just what you expect it to. The boys are mostly very samey. They can all sing reasonably well and in fairness they are being groomed for the stage rather than a music career; this means they are wanting to fit into a mould rather than break it (not that any of these musical reality shows are looking for a mould breaker).

They do cry rather easily though! The numbers are belted out in great cabaret style and the audience lap it up, all dressed up in their costumes with their banners. The downside of this is that none of the boys stand out and it does feel like you're watching a conveyor belt; at least with Pop Idol (for example) you do get a range of people, characters and skills. Norton makes cheeky remarks and, like Maria, he fits this show because he belongs with camp silliness. The panel are so-so but as the series went on they ended up spending too much time gushing or damning rather than making helpful remarks. Lloyd-Webber swings wildly in his opinion and has been set up as some sort of "Nasty Nigel" type, sitting on his separate chair as the "chief judge" and looking a bit like someone has thrown lots of used teabags in a pile on top of a shirt. The panel don't really have that much interest in them but they at least are suitable for the material (having seen Torchwood I can confirm that Barrowman is proof that musical theatre acting and television acting is not the same thing).

Overall then this is exactly what you expect it to be and I suppose that that means it depends on you. If you like these karaoke competitions then this is perfectly fine and in line with the standards of the formal. Personally it is not for me as I'm not really a "light entertainment" type of guy but if you are looking for a cabaret show in your front room on a Saturday night then I suppose this will do you. 2 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes "Any Dream Will Do" (2007) - News NEWS trailers and videos full cast and crew trivia official sites memorable quotes Overview 30 October 2012 10:38 AM, PDT | Digital Spy | See recent Digital Spy - Movie News news » Colin McCredie has replaced Craig Chalmers in an upcoming pantomime production. Former Any Dream Will Do star Chalmers was recently axed from the festive production of Cinderella at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline, Scotland. The singer was fired once it was discovered that he had become a porn star going under the name Ryan Ryder.

Taggart actor McCredie will play the role of Dandini, the character originally played by James Mackenzie , who has since replaced Chalmers in the Prince Charming role. McCredie explained that he was at first unaware of the reasons behind Chalmers's exit. "I'm the super-sub they've got in from off the bench," he is quoted as (more) » - By Tom Eames 24 October 2012 9:32 AM, PDT | Digital Spy | See recent Digital Spy - Movie News news » Former reality TV star Craig Chalmers has been axed from a Christmas panto, after he was discovered to have appeared in a porn film. The actor finished in fifth place in 2007's Any Dream Will Do , the BBC show which searched for a new star to play Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber 's musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . He has since embarked on a career on stage, and was set to play Prince Charming at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline, Scotland. However, he has now been replaced by Cbbc's James Mackenzie after a member of the public spotted his porn background.

He has starred under the alias Ryan Ryder, with his own profile on the adult talent agency website Jem, reports The Sun. A spokeswoman from the Alhambra Theatre said: "In light of information given by the public, of which we were completely unaware, we can confirm Craig » - By Tom Eames 25 July 2012 2:09 AM, PDT | Digital Spy | See recent Digital Spy - Movie News news » Denise Van Outen has revealed that she is writing a musical. The West End performer explained that she has completed the first drafts of the project alongside Kylie Minogue 's songwriting team of Steve Anderson and Terry Ronald. "I'm writing a musical now - it's finished and we're workshopping it," she told The Sun. "It is me, Terry and all of Team Kylie . Steve is doing the music and I'm going to perform in it. "It's a Shirley Valentine-type story but that's as much as I can tell you." Van Outen said that she has been inspired by working with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber on Any Dream Will Do , as well as starring in his musical Tell Me on a Sunday.

She said: "It's a bit like Tell Me On A Sunday , which Andrew wrote in the '70s, but for our generation - for now. "I have (more) » - By Tom Eames 6 July 2012 4:58 AM, PDT | Digital Spy | See recent Digital Spy - Movie News news » Andrew Lloyd Webber has explained why he is making his new show Superstar with ITV rather than the BBC. The composer made previous talent hunts How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do , I'd Do Anything and Over the Rainbow with the BBC and it was initially suggested that the broadcaster had passed on the new programme. "The people at ITV now were the same ones who took a gamble on me in the first place at the BBC, so that's why I have moved over," Lloyd Webber told the Daily Mail. "ITV wanted very much to do a programme with me. They got very excited when I said, 'I don't really want to do another stage show, I'm thinking of an arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar '.

They said that was something they would really like to do, too." BBC presenter Graham Norton said » - By Mayer Nissim 17 February 2012 9:08 AM, PST | Digital Spy | See recent Digital Spy - Movie News news » Lee Mead is to play a guest role on Sky Living drama Bedlam . The paranormal series - created by Neil Jones , David Allison and Chris Parker - will return for a second run later this year. Mead, who won BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do in 2007, will play a character named Scott in one episode. "When the role in Bedlam came up I was really excited at the chance to be involved, and star alongside such a great cast in a fresh and original psychological drama," said the West End star. "It's completely different from anything else I've done before.

And while I can't give too much away about my character Scott, I think it's (more) » - By Morgan Jeffery 9 January 2012 4:12 AM, PST | The Guardian - TV News | See recent The Guardian - TV News news » Jesus Christ Superstar talent-spotting show reportedly to air on ITV after the BBC is criticised for promoting composer's interests Andrew Lloyd Webber has signed a deal to broadcast his next televised talent hunt on ITV after making four series with the BBC, according to the Sun. The newspaper reported on Friday that Lloyd Webber will hold televised auditions for the roles of Jesus and Judas in his 1971 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar on the commercial channel. Though a spokesman for ITV later told the Stage the article was "pure speculation", the composer's change of allegiance wouldn't come as a surprise. The BBC had faced increasing criticism over his previous talent shows, including How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Over the Rainbow. It was argued that such programmes served the commercial interests of the subsequent independent productions by functioning as free televised advertising.

Lee Mead to join cast of BBC medical drama Lee Mead to join cast of BBC medical drama By Mathew Wace Peck Sep 20, 2013 in Entertainment Lee Mead, best known for his stage-musicals career, is to become a regular cast member of “Casualty,” the long-running BBC medical drama. Lee Mead made his breakthrough back in 2007, when he won Any Dream Will Do , the BBC musical talent contest that set out to find an unknown to play the lead role in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . Since then, the 32-year-old has also appeared in the stage shows, Wicked and Legally Blonde. His Casualty appointment will mark Mead’s first full-time on-screen television role. However, it’s not the first time he’s appeared in the series: in 2011, he guest-starred as a teaching assistant, Harry Timms, for one episode.

Now, he will play Lofty, a character described by the BBC as “likeable and popular nurse with a less than ordinary background.” Speaking to Radio Times, Mead said , “I'm thrilled to be joining Casualty. I really enjoyed by my guest appearance in 2011, but this will be a completely different challenge. When I first read about the character, Lofty, I didn’t imagine I would be in the frame to play him.” Meanwhile, the series’ executive producer, Oliver Kent, added , “As the character Lofty was being developed, we couldn’t think of anyone else to better play him. We can’t wait to start filming and are thrilled to have Lee join the team. With a very different background to most of the other nurses, his clumsy charm is sure to win everyone over.” In 2012, Casualty relocated to the BBC’s Roath Lock studios in Cardiff, Wales, having previously been based in Bristol. Mead will be relocating to the Welsh capital later this year, and first appearance on screen is expected to happen in early 2014. “I am hoping he will charm audiences and they will get behind him,” he said .

“I can’t wait to get started and to learn all of the medical jargon!”

Question: In 2007, Lee Mead won a BBC reality contest to play which role?
Answer: JOSEPH